At least 20 people have been injured following clashes in a prison in the town of Salavat, southern Russia's Urals, Russia Today reported.

Six people have been taken to hospital, officials said.

About 40 prisoners have been questioned in connection with the incident.

Officials said the main reason for the scuffles was a riot with inmates demanding an easing of jail conditions and the prison regime.

According to preliminary information, a 30-year-old inmate, convicted for 18 years, was one of the instigators of the incident.